Outline

Overview

Modern society is reliant on manufactured chemicals to meet our everyday needs in food production, medicines, clothing and technological applications. Traditional approaches to building molecules have largely ignored the detrimental environmental impacts of the manufacturing processes, but this has changed. In this unit you will study contemporary methods used to create life-changing molecules, from pharmaceuticals and bulk chemicals to polymers in the context of the environmental impact of chemical manufacture and the challenges of ensuring both sustainability of source materials and sustainability of waste treatment. You will gain an understanding of the principles and practices of chemical manufacture, the application of catalytic processes, and the methods used to tailor molecular properties, including the spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques of chemical analysis. In this unit you will address the general issues of renewable and non-renewable resources and waste recycling. By doing this unit you will develop an integrated understanding of the challenges of sustainable chemical manufacture and the fundamental basis for continued study in the topics of organic synthesis, environmental chemistry, polymer science and industrial processes. These same lectures are also covered in CHEM2532 Concepts in Sustainable Chemical Manufacture but with the laboratory program replaced by a series of classroom workshops and assignments.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Chemistry Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	(CHEM1111 or CHEM1911 or CHEM1991 or CHEM1011 or CHEM1101 or CHEM1901 or CHEM1903 or CHEM1001) and (CHEM1112 or CHEM1912 or CHEM1992 or CHEM1012 or CHEM1102 or CHEM1902 or CHEM1904 or CHEM1002)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	CHEM2922 or CHEM2532 or CHEM2404
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Anthony Masters, anthony.masters@sydney.edu.au
Laboratory supervisor(s)	Pierre Naeyaert, pierre.naeyaert@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Stephen George-Williams, stephen.george-williams@sydney.edu.au
	Markus Muellner, markus.muellner@sydney.edu.au
	Alexander Yuen, alexander.yuen@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam Supervised exam. Pen and paper on campus	55%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Experiment 1 oral presentation (Part 2) Questions following presentation of results and discussion.	2%	Multiple weeks	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Pre-Lab Quizzes Multiple choice quiz on Canvas to be completed before the relevant experiment.	1%	Multiple weeks	30 minutes each	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Experiment 3 long report Full report - background, methods, results and discussion and implications	5%	Multiple weeks	Up to 8 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Experiment 2 short report Communication of methodology and key results in a short report format.	2%	Multiple weeks	Up to 4 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Experiment 1 oral presentation (Part 1) Power point presentation of results and discussion followed by questions in Part 2	5%	Multiple weeks	Multiple weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	In-Laboratory Assessment Working safely and cleanly; quizzes; samples and results submission	10%	Ongoing	Continuous throughout Laboratory program	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Tutorial Quiz To be completed weekly during the tutorial..	18%	Ongoing	20 minutes 10 MCQ	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Early Feedback Task To be completed in the week 2 tutorial class class#earlyfeedbacktask	2%	Week 02 Due date: 06 Mar 2026 at 23:59	20 minutes, 10 MCQ	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Laboratory: The laboratory course represents 25% of the unit mark. The laboratory classes are compulsory, and the laboratory assessment must be passed for the unit to be passed. Apply for special consideration if you miss a class due to illness, injury or misadventure.

Final exam:

Failure to submit or attend compulsory assessment tasks, such as this exam, will result in an Absent Fail (AF) for the unit.
If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.
There will be no third replacement exam offering.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and unde rstanding to produce original solutions for novel orhighly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Clause 10 of the Assessment Procedures 2024 provides that any written work submitted electronically after 11:59 pm on the due date will be classed as late and will be penalised by deduction of 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. A mark of zero will be awarded for work submitted more than 10 calendar days after the due date.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to Green Chemistry	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Material from Wk 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	The Diels-Alder reaction and Frontier Molecular orbital (FMO) theory.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Material from Wk 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Radical chemistry	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	material from Wk 3	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Pd cross-coupling reactions	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Material from Wk 4	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Feedstocks and large-scale chemistry	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Material from Wk 5	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Catalysts/solvents at scale and flow chemistry	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Material from Wk 6	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Introduction to polymers	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Material from Wk 7	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Polymer synthesis - step-growth polymers	Lecture (2 hr)
	Laboratory exercise	Practical (4 hr)
	Material from Wk 8	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Polymer synthesis - chain-growth polymers	Lecture (2 hr)
	Laboratory exercise	Practical (4 hr)
	Material from Wk 9	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Polymer synthesis - insertion polymerization	Lecture (2 hr)
	Laboratory execise	Practical (4 hr)
	Material from Wk 10	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Introduction to polymer recycling	Lecture (2 hr)
	Laboratory exercise	Practical (4 hr)
	Material from Wk 11	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Chemical recycling & bio-based polymers	Lecture (2 hr)
	Laboratory exercise	Practical (4 hr)
	Material from Wk 12	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Sustainability considerations	Lecture (2 hr)
	Laboratory exercise	Practical (4 hr)
	Material from Wk 13	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Faculty of Science Resolutions, 8(1):

Unless otherwise stated, students are expected to attend at least 80% of timetabled activities as defined in the unit of study outline, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand and apply knowledge of organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, environmental impact and waste treatment.
LO2. work safely and competently in a chemical laboratory.
LO3. communicate scientiﬁc information and laboratory ﬁndings eﬀectively using a range of modes (written, oral, visual etc.) for a variety of audiences.
LO4. recognise the impact of sustainable chemical manufacture beyond the discipline of chemistry and articulate the social value of this subject.
LO5. evaluate and critically interpret chemical data to resolve chemical questions and advance chemical inquiry in the context of sustainable chemical manufacture
LO6. work collaboratively and responsibly in data collection, analysis and communication.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

2025 updates have been applied.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CHEM2522: Sustainable Chemical Manufacture

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links